# Mrs. Mandel — A Hazard of New Fortunes character guide

> Mrs. Mandel in A Hazard of New Fortunes by William Dean Howells.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mandel

**First appearance:** 0001-a-hazard-of-new-fortunes

## Snapshot

The Dryfooses' refined housekeeper, Mrs. Mandel tries to translate raw money into social standing and knows precisely which Horns are which.

## Who they are

Mrs. Mandel manages the Dryfoos household and, more delicately, their entry into society, measuring Mrs. Horn's address and explaining that her standing is independent of money. She can make her charges understand a chance like the musicale only imperfectly, since they lack the premises for it, and her efforts are half undone by their own assumptions. Her quiet expertise marks the distance between the Dryfooses' wealth and the taste and connections it cannot simply buy.

## In the story

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-viii)

Acts as a social intermediary, greeting the Marches and discussing New York life, plumbing, and malaria with ease.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-viii)

Tries to impress upon the Dryfoos sisters the social significance of Mrs. Horn's invitation, but struggles to make them understand the nuances of New York society.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-ii)

Mrs. Mandel confronts Beaton about his frequent visits to the Dryfooses, questioning his intentions toward the young ladies.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-iv)

Present at the breakfast confrontation; is verbally attacked by Christine and fears for her safety.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters/mrs_mandel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters